| MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK
Appointed in 1979 as a “National Park”, with an area of 55,000 hectares, the Machalilla National Park protects marine and coastal habitats and also the abundant archaeological remains. It is a tropical dry forest contrasting with the wet cloud forest. Spectacular handcrafts and varied gastronomy.
ISLA DE LA PLATA
Is physically and biologically very similar to Galapagos, as several books have described it. It is the only place in the world, besides the Galapagos, where Waved Albatrosses nest (April to November). Other birds also nest here, such as the red-billed tropicbird and the largest colony of frigate birds. In addition, the waters around Isla de la Plata are a playground for more than eleven different species of marine mammals, including a small colony of sea lions.
From June to October, Humpback Whales from Antarctica congregate here to bear their young and court, with spectacular displays of breaching and spy hopping, while competing for the females' attention. Several species of resident tortoises can be observed all year around.
The Coral Reef. The coral reef around the Isla de la Plata and on the adjacent coast is the only coral reef off mainland Ecuador. This coral reef can be explored with scuba or snorkel gear. A spectacular biodiversity of underwater marine life exists because the Humboldt Current flows from the south and meets the northbound warm El Niño current. Big fishing is great too, with world records for marlins and other coastal species caught here.
ITINERARIES
- 2 Nights package A
- 3 Nights package B
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| CVC 42A |
MANTARRAYA LODGE
Duration: 2 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS
Departure: Monday to Saturday
Package A
DAY 01:
Flight from Quito to Manta or Portoviejo. Arrival and immediate departure by bus to “Machalilla National Park”, visiting on the way Montecristi Village, famous for its “Panama Hats” manufacturers. Accommodation at Mantaraya Lodge. Lunch and in the afternoon, visit to the “Salango Museum” with an important archaeological collection. Back to the hotel, time at leisure and dinner.
DAY 02:
Breakfast. Full day visit to “Isla de la Plata”. Walk on trails. Box lunch. Swimming and snorkeling. Sailing back to Puerto López to Mantaraya Lodge, time at leisure and dinner.
DAY 03:
Visit to Los Frailes beach (snorkeling). Lunch and early departure by bus to Portoviejo or Manta to take the return flight to Quito. |
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| CVC 42B |
MANTARRAYA LODGE
Duration: 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
Departure: Monday to Saturday
Package B
DAY 01:
Flight from Quito to Manta or Portoviejo. Arrival and immediate departure by bus to “Machalilla National Park”, visiting on the way Montecristi Village, famous for its “Panama Hats” manufacturers. Accommodation at Mantaraya Lodge. Lunch. In the afternoon, visit to Salango Museum. Back to the hotel, free time and dinner.
DAY 02:
Breakfast. Full day visit to “Isla de la Plata”. Walk on trails. Box lunch. Swimming and snorkeling. Sailing back to Puerto López to Mantaraya Lodge, time at leisure and dinner.
DAY 03:
Breakfast. Visit to the in situ “Archaeological Museum of Agua Blanca”. Lunch. Visit to Los Frailes beach (snorkeling). Back to Mantaraya Lodge, time at leisure and dinner.
DAY 04:
After breakfast, visit to Ayampe River rain forest. Lunch and early departure by bus to Portoviejo or Manta to take the return flight to Quito. |
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